Meet Our Executive Team
Our executive team is comprised of experienced professionals dedicated to driving innovation, excellence, and success in the biosolids management industry. Get to know the leaders who are shaping our future.
Ted Merrell
Board Co-Chairman
“I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with my brother and so many other great people throughout the years with Merrell Bros., Inc. Terry and I have dedicated nearly all of our lives to the management and development of this company. We have asked for a lot of sacrifice from our families and our employees over the years. They have all given their support and dedication, for which we are forever grateful.”
Terry Merrell
Board Co-Chairman
Terry’s favorite motto is, “try harder”. That motto is carried out through his personal and professional life. His goal is to continue to “try harder” to find ways to provide Biosolids Management services to each customer in the most professional, cost effective manner. Terry believes that a successful life is knowing your best days are yet to come. It makes ‘doing life’ exciting as each day brings us one day closer to the ultimate prize of heavenly peace and rest.
Dustin Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Dustin Smith is a servant leader who is passionate about innovative business strategies and leadership. As the CEO of Merrell Bros., Inc., Dustin has been instrumental in steering the company towards growth and success. With a strong background in business development and a dynamic approach to leadership, Dustin has worked alongside the Executive Team for nearly two decades to develop a culture of excellence and collaboration within the organization. Dustin consistently emphasizes that God has blessed Merrell Bros., Inc. with an exceptional team, undeniably the company’s greatest asset.
Ryan Zeck
Chief Technology Officer
Since joining as the first manager in 1997, Ryan has been instrumental in the growth and success of Merrell Bros., Inc. His dedication, honesty, and integrity have been fundamental driving forces. He has spearheaded the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, transforming the biosolids industry’s efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, with a strong background in agriculture and agronomy, Ryan leads the company’s farming operations with state-of-the-art technology.
Brayden Merrell
Chief Operations Officer
“Growing up less than a mile away from Merrell Bros., Inc., I was able to work for my father (Ted) and uncle (Terry). I learned at an early age what hard work was. At Merrell Bros. I am able to use the skills I learned at an early age, combined with the economic principles I learned at Purdue University, and apply that on an everyday basis to successfully complete large scale projects. You can usually find me ‘knee deep’ in a digester, in the bottom of a lagoon, or back at our headquarters getting ready for the next project.”
Karson Merrell, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
“I have been involved in the business from an early age and enjoy the challenges of the industry. I majored in accounting and management at Purdue University while obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I then continued my education at Purdue by earning my Masters of Science in Accounting. I am a licensed CPA and enjoy the change of pace between operations and finances. I hope that by understanding both the operations as well as the numbers, I can join two critical areas to help the company and our clients.”
Blake Merrell
Chief Operations Officer of Florida Operations
“Merrell Bros., Inc is a family-owned business in which I literally grew up. As a youth I learned asset, people and time management. I was ingrained not only with the values of my family, but also the skill and experience needed to successfully accomplish any task the company performed. These experiences, combined with the education I received from Purdue University, have allowed me to apply economic principles to sound management practices.”